Review of The Reluctant Matchmaker

Book Review of The Reluctant Matchmaker

Sponsored by Virtual Book Tours

File Size: 565 KB

Print Length: 321 pages

Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0758258852

Publisher: Kensington Books (June 26, 2012)

Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Language: English

ASIN: B00746P0NU

Blurb : 

  In her thought-provoking, uplifting new novel, Shobhan Bantwal vividly blends the nuances of contemporary Indian-American culture with an unconventional romance. . .

At thirty-one, Meena Shenoy has a fulfilling career at a New Jersey high-tech firm. Not that it impresses her mother and aunts, who make dire predictions about her ticking biological clock. Men are drawn to Meena's dainty looks and she dates regularly, but hasn't met someone who really intrigues her. Someone professional, ambitious, confident, caring. Someone like her new boss, Prajay Nayak.  

Just as Meena's thoughts turn to romance, Prajay makes an astonishing request. He wants her to craft a personal ad that will help him find a suitable wife: a statuesque, sophisticated Indian-American woman who will complement his striking height.

Despite her attraction to Prajay and the complications of balancing work and her "marriage consultant" role, Meena can't refuse the generous fee. And as her family is thrown into turmoil by her brother's relationship with a Muslim woman, Meena comes to surprising realizations about love, tradition, and the sacrifices she will--and won't--make for the sake of both. 

  

About the Author:

Award-winning author Shobhan Bantwal calls her brand of fiction "Bollywood in a Book," romantic, colorful, action-packed tales, rich with elements of Indian culture - stories that both entertain and educate. To date, she has six novels published by Kensington Books and one anthology. Her debut book, The Dowry Bride, won The Golden Leaf Award in 2008. The Unexpected Son won the National Indie Excellence Award in 2012. Her short stories have won awards and honors in various fiction contests.

All her novels will soon become available in India and the Indian sub-continent since an Indian publisher has bought the rights recently.

Visit her website at www.shobhanbantwal.com and her Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ShobhanBantwal.author

 

Tour Host:                                          Date of review:                       (GP)Guest Post, (I)Interview, 

                                                                                                                    or(G)Giveaway                     

Mindy Books, Books,& More Books   Aug. 2                                   None

Chantale Geeky Girl Reviews                Aug. 3                                   None

Pamela (Mason) Thoughts in Progress   Aug. 6                                   G & I Aug 14 (I Done)

Joy Story                            Aug.7                      G & I Aug. 8

Drey's Library                      Aug. 9                     G & I Aug. 10

Leah Amused by Books                        Aug. 10                                 None

Kari From the TBR Pile                        Aug. 13                                 None

Lexie Poisoned Rationality                    Aug. 14                                 I  Aug. 15

Meg A Bookish Affair                          Aug. 16                                 G &I  Aug. 17 (I Done)

Alysia Mocha Girls Read                      Aug. 20                                 None

Farrah The Book Faery         Aug 24                     G & I Aug. 21

Crystal My Reading Room               Aug 22                                   None

Nicole About Town                             Aug. 24                                  I Aug. 23

Book Review:

            This book is set on the Eastern Coast of the United States within the Hindi culture, generally Indian (as in from India).  I have a brother in law who is Indian and have had two foreign exchange students from Pakistan, so I have quite a bit of knowledge about the culture.  However, this book does a great job of explaining the culture especially the concept of arranged marriages and marrying within your caste. 

            Not only does the book explain talk about cultural issues, but it is also a charming story.  I love the exploration of the struggle first generation American children have in the pull between their traditional culture their parents still honor and the American ways they have been raised in.

            I totally enjoyed this story.  I give this book 5 out of 5 clouds.

This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.